ATE Impacts 2020-2021

NACK and ASTM Offer Stackable Certificates After finalizing the six ASTM standards for nanotechnology education based on NACK's industry-approved core skills, NACK and ASTM International have been developing programs that award stackable certificates for individuals entering the nanotechnology workforce. Two new certifications-Health and Safety in Nanotechnology and Nanotechnology Workforce Characterization­ became available in 2019. Two more are scheduled for release in 2020. These certificates will provide employers with a benchmark for evaluating the skills and qualifications of their staff members. People who earn these certificates will be able to differentiate themselves within the employment marketplace. RAIN Network Continues to Grow Recent studies by partners of the Remotely Accessible Instruments for Nanotechnology (RAIN) Network have found that RAIN sessions increased interest in science among underrepresented students who previously had no plans to pursue science degrees. RAIN provides educators with web access to state-of-the-art nanocharacterization and nanofabrication tools. Continued growth in 2019 brings the network to 23 universities, colleges, and a K-12 cooperative extension service. RAIN has hosted more than 300 sessions attended by 5,600 students. A NACK program alumnus excels as a laboratory teaching assistant. NACK Webinar Data 2016-2019 12 Webinars 600+ Attendees during live broadcasts 1,250+ Viewers of archived webinars NACK's live and archived webinars teach viewers nanotech concepts and cross-discipline applications.